Young people in our care are challenging. They have complex needs. The combination of home environments, mental health concerns coupled with a lack of education creates individuals who test the boundaries at every level.

As a youth custody prison officer, you’ll support young people, setting boundaries and creating a safe, decent and secure environment. We’re looking for people who can listen, and see the truth, and the potential in the young people in our care.

About the role

You will work with young offenders aged 15 – 18 in HMYOI Wetherby.

Working in a Young Offender Institution, you’ll take responsibility for the personal, social and emotional development of young people, while building constructive and motivational relationships that bring about positive change. Typically, this will include ensuring the young people you care for feel safe and secure, can build relationships with peers and adults, are engaged in learning and development, and can build positive and productive pathways back into society.

What’s in it for you

The reward of seeing someone turn their life around is huge, but it can also be a long and uncertain process, especially as many of the young people in our custody face diverse and complex issues. The role starts with a ten-week training programme (Level 3 qualification). You will then have opportunities to refresh your core skills as well as access specific young person qualifications. These focus on understanding the challenges that affect young people and providing positive influence to change behaviours for the better.

As part of Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service, you’ll also have plenty of other training and development opportunities, plus a competitive salary and benefits package.

What you’ll need

Working with young people is challenging, so you need to have the patience and resilience to form a trusting relationship with a young person. We would like you to have proven aptitude for working with young people in a supportive, educational or pastoral role, and have the desire to see them reform and build a better future for themselves. Most importantly though is your ability to interact with and form positive relationships with a range of individuals.

If you believe every young person has the potential to turn their lives around, apply now.